2nd Annual BBQ Rib Cook Off Sponsored by The Village Pub and Ortonville Downtown Development Authority $5 contest entry fee for individuals or teams presenting their BEST Baby Back BBQ Ribs Winner will receive cash and an awards plaque and placement … Continue reading →

Have Wings? Will Migrate

The CreekFest Committee is working with Brandon Schools toward a special activity to take place within CreekFest, (June 20-22) , called the Ortonville Monarch Flash-mob Migration.

Recognizing the peril of our iconic monarch butterfly, whose numbers have decreased dramatically in recent years, kids from 4 to 94 will gather at 1:00 PM on Sunday, June 22, at CreekSide Garden next to Kearsley Creek by the Old Mill, put on or carry their monarch wings, and “fly” three blocks to the East to Heritage Garden at Church and Mill Streets. Pets are welcome to “migrate” as well. Little tots may join the “migration” at 1:15 at the CreekFest stage, at South and Mill Streets.

When they arrive at Heritage Garden, an adult “monarch” will tell them the story of the amazing annual monarch migration from Mexico all the way to Canada and back again. The monarch cannot complete its life-cycle without milkweed, its larval host-plant, and milkweed has been disappearing from our local landscape, (largely due to development and herbicides). Participants will be shown the native milkweed growing there, and milkweed seeds and starts, raised in several Brandon classrooms, will be given to each, to take home and plant in their home gardens, making sure there are nectar-bearing plants there for the butterflies once they’ve hatched.

Heritage Garden was certified a few years ago as a Monarch Waystation. CreekSide Garden will be certified on June 22, to kick off the “migration”. Both gardens, (native landscapes) have been certified by the National Wildlife Federation as Wildlife Habitats. Immediately following the “Migration”, the documentary Flight of the Butterflies will be shown (free admission) at the Old Township Hall. The film documents the discovery of the monarchs’ remarkable migration routes that until recently were completely unknown. It was only when people began tagging monarchs that the magnitude of their migration feat was realized. Soon after that discovery, the monarch’s numbers began to plummet, largely due to agricultural insecticides and the loss of milkweed, casting doubt on the monarch’s continuation as a species.

Elementary school teachers and students are helping by raising milkweed in their classrooms, and, with some luck, monarch chrysalises for release at the end of the “migration”. Monarch wings and kits are available at the Village Offices for a donation to Monarch Watch. For more information, contact Lois Robbins at (248) 969-2518 lois@robbinsmail.com.

The Ortonville Monarch Migration takes place on June 22nd, the last day of CreekFest, which spans four days this year, June 19-22. CreekFest organizers are expecting over 2000 people to show up for the fun. In addition to the Monarch Migration, CreekFest will feature a two-day market, a bigger-than-ever parade , a Headwaters King, Queen, , a Carnival, Beer Tent, Fireworks, Amos Orton and Wife Lookalike Contest, a 10 K run and Minnow-Mile, an Ortonville Has Talent contest, Bed Races, a Bridge Troll Booth, a stunt-horse, a stage with live entertainment, and lots more!

With the success of last year’s 2013 Creekfest Parade, this letter is a cordial invitation to be a participant in a growing tradition in the village of Ortonville. The 2014 Creekfest Parade in Downtown Ortonville.

Last year’s parade covered a route of about 1/3 of a mile and was attended by and estimated 500+ of families, kids, adults and friends. It was taped by the local public access TV station and was broadcast on a weekly schedule. The variety of participants made it an exceptional fun event to attend. But this year, we want to “up the ante” as they say to surpass last year’s 40+ group participants.

We would like you to be a participant to “show off” your business, group or organization with your involvement. There are no fees for you to enter into the parade (excluding political entries). This is a great way to get exposure or recognition to the public that you/your business or organization are around and actively involved in the community. If your business, group or organization is in the surrounding community, don’t you want the public (new and old) to know who and where you are? Don’t you want to show off your trade or cause? This is a great way to advertise and let the public know you are ready for business and the more creativity, the more attention your business will get.

And the creativity is up to you…you can utilize vehicles, floats, trailers, tractors, ATV’s, motorcycles, Dune Buggies, decorations, bicycles, wagons, animals (w/pooper scoopers) or good ole fashion walking as a group. And yes, we said “floats”…they are welcomed and encouraged. Obviously we want all involved to be a shining star and to take pride in showing off your business. We also want this to be exciting for you and all attending. And of course what a great opportunity to get pictures or video of your owners, bosses, employees, and overall participation for your website, Twitter, Facebook or any media avenue. Some of the participants last year got great coverage (local newspaper, FB hits/tags, website postings, television coverage, etc) due to their creativity.

We really would like to encourage you to be a part. Even if it is walking or having a vehicle with the name of your business on the side of it. Below {page 2} we have a list of basic rules & regulations that we ask you to abide by. Please respond by “Thursday JUNE 19th; 5pm” as we have to place each participant and orchestrate the timing. Staging time will be from 8:30– 9:45am the morning of the parade and ‘step off will be at 10:00am sharp’.

We thank you for your consideration and hoped involvement with the “2014 Ortonville Creekfest Parade”

Because Ortonville’s Cool Jewel is Kearsley Creek, a designated trout stream and headwaters to the Flint River and Saginaw Bay.

How many towns can boast a designated trout stream?

BecauseKearsley Creek runs right through our town. The Creek is a living link with Ortonville’s past, and part of our heritage, just as is the Old Mill, which stands on its banks.

Because, In addition to Kearsley Creek, Brandon Township has the headwaters of two other rivers: Paint Creek and the Clinton River.

Because Ortonville was honored in 2011 by Main Street Oakland County as its most outstanding event. Our Creek is a rallying point to revitalize our downtown.

Events like CreekFest bring the town together and highlight our local businesses.

Becauseour town has a focal point – The Old Mill and the Creek – unique features that tell us we are home.

Because – we love our creeks.

The Ortonville DDA/Main Street program proudly presents Ortonville’s ninth annual CreekFest on June 2, 2012, in downtown Ortonville. CreekFest is an opportunity to celebrate Kearsley Creek, our designated trout stream, and other waterways in the township.

Since 2003, CreekFest has been bringing attention to water quality issues in Brandon Township. The event has been a key element in meeting the Township’s Phase II EPA storm water management requirements.

Director, Ortonville Downtown Development Authority

Men Wanted!

Men with interesting facial hair, that is!

Contest will take place on The Old Mill front porch at 12:30pm June 29th during CreekFest. 1st place wins $50 cash and a family membership to The Old Mill Museum and Historical Society. Bring those beards! (must be natural facial hair – no substitutes accepted.)